Download Radiation to the Breast/Chest Wall

Radiation to the Breast/Chest Wall
What you need to know
As it works to rid your body of cancer cells, radiation
therapy can cause side effects to the skin in the treated
area of the breast/chest wall.
Most side effects begin after two or three weeks of
treatment. Report any side effects you experience to your
radiation oncology team.
This card provides information about how to minimize
and treat side effects.
Skin reaction
Skin reaction is a common side effect of radiation to the breast/
chest wall. Initially, this reaction may appear as pinkness or
tanning. It may progress to red, hot or open moist peeling areas
of skin. Your skin may feel dry or itchy, or you may notice an
itchy, bumpy rash in the treated area.
Here’s how to care for your skin in the treated area:
• Use non-deodorant, non-perfumed soap such as unscented
Dove or Basis. Gently cleanse (don’t scrub) the treatment area
and pat dry. Don’t rub the markings on your skin.
• If you must shave your underarm, use an electric razor. Don’t
use a blade razor.
• Use aluminum-free deodorant such as Tom’s of Maine, Arm
& Hammer Essentials or Nature’s Gate Organics. Don’t apply
deodorant within four hours before your treatment. If the
skin in your underarm area becomes red or tender, stop using
deodorant until your skin has healed.
• Don’t apply heat or ice packs/pads directly to skin in the
treated area.
• Don’t wear underwire bras. If your skin is irritated, wear a soft
cotton bra, camisole or no bra.
• You’ll be sensitive to sunburn in the treated area so wear
clothing that covers it and don’t expose that skin to sun. After
you’ve completed treatment and your skin has healed, you
may expose it to sun but use a sunblock of SPF 30 or higher
and reapply it frequently.
• Initially, apply the cream recommended by your radiation
nurse or physician to your skin in the treatment area once a
day. If your skin becomes dry or irritated, you may use the
cream two to four times per day.
– Don’t apply it to the markings.
– Use it inside the marked area.
– Don’t apply within four hours before your treatment.
• If you develop an itchy, bumpy rash in the upper, inner
portion of the breast/chest wall that isn’t relieved with
the recommended cream, try using over-the-counter 1%
hydrocortisone cream twice a day.
• Report any open skin areas to your nurse or radiation
therapist.
Fatigue
During the last few weeks of your treatment, you may experience
some generalized fatigue. You may need additional rest. Try
these strategies to fight fatigue:
• Balance activity with rest. If you feel tired, take a brief nap, if
possible, or put your feet up briefly, then resume your activity.
• Drink six to eight, eight-ounce glasses of non-caffeinated
beverages each day.
• Stay active. Walking is a non-stressful activity that may help
fatigue.
Nutrition
Good nutrition is important. Try to eat three balanced meals each
day. Don’t try to diet or lose weight during treatment and don’t
skip meals. If you lose weight, a nurse will discuss your diet with
you. If you need guidance about what makes a balanced meal,
please discuss this with a nurse.
You may take a multivitamin but do not take vitamin E or vitamin
C tablets.
Important Note: While you’re undergoing radiation therapy,
pregnancy is not advised. If you’re not sure if you’re pregnant or
think you might be, please report this to your radiation therapy
physician immediately.
Questions? Ask Us.
Remember: Report any side effects to the Radiation Oncology staff.
If you have concerns or questions, please ask them during your
treatment appointment. If you need to speak with someone
urgently, please call:
• Monday – Friday, 8 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
Radiation Oncology Center at 314-251-6844
• After hours, to reach a physician call 314-663-3011
Mercy Hospital
David C. Pratt Cancer Center Radiation Oncology
607 S. New Ballas Rd. | Suite 1275
St. Louis, MO 63141
phone 314-251-6844 | fax 314-251-4337
mercy.net
STL_ (12/4/13)